A PHYTOALEXIN FROM ROOTS OF MUSA-ACUMINATA VAR PISANG-SIPULU

A phenalenone-type phytoalexin has been isolated from infected roots o f banana plants (Musa acuminata AA 'Pisang Jari Buaya' group cultivar Pisang sipulu). This product was produced de novo by the plants upon i nfection with the nematode species Radopholus similis. The structure o f this phytoalexin was elucidated using spectroscopic evidence and che mical correlation using reverse phase HPLC and (HNMR)-H-1 analysis. Th is compound has previously been described as a natural product, anigor ufone from Anigozanthos rufus (Haemodoraceae) and has recently been de scribed as a phytoalexin-like compound from Musa acuminata (AAA) Grand Nain. This compound is new to diploid species of Musa and is the firs t compound known to be produced in response to nematode invasion in th e banana. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.